Langour ・❥・Joost Klein・❥・

46.

'So, what is it about Europapa that you think will bring Europe together?'

'Well, I mention a lot of countries. I tried to list as many as I could. Sorry if I missed yours.'

Joost giggled as he talked into the camera. The interviewer smiled as the Dutch representative charmed his way through their questions. His fluency in English was impressive and made it easy to keep the interview interesting.

'What's your history with Eurovision? Were you a fan before this?' The interviewer asked and Joost beamed.

'Yes, I've watched it many times. My dad liked to make fun of people on the ESC, so, I hope he'll make jokes about me... wherever he is.'

The interviewer nodded along, unaware of the real meaning behind Joost's words.

'And who are you here with? I see a big team supporting you on the sidelines,' the interviewer motioned to the group that stood off to the side.

Stuntje and Apson had accompanied Joost up until a certain point. Their personas caught a great deal of attention and interviewers wanted to hear what the blue bird and his accomplice had to say. But when the main representative had his own questions to answer, the two met up with Teun, Nathan, Fenne and Hanna.

They stood out of the way of the contestants and entertained themselves. They joked, shoved each other, poked at Apson's bird suit, and enjoyed being in the positive atmosphere. There was food and drink provided, so they didn't mind leaving Joost to be in the spotlight.

'I know. They're so amazing. They've come all the way from The Netherlands to support me and I'm very grateful to have them here,' Joost grinned, glancing between the group and the interviewer. 'I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. I think that's another great thing about Eurovision. It shows that the right people will stick with you and make your success even better.'

'That's a great answer. I'm sure they're really proud of you. I see two beautiful ladies over there. Is one of them your Euromama?'

Joost laughed heartily before answering.

'Yes, yes, the one on the right is my girlfriend. I love her very much.'

'That's so sweet! Did you want to bring her over?'

Fenne was torn from the feathers of Apson's suit by the calling of her name. She turned to see Joost and the interviewer looking in her direction. With a wide grin, Joost motioned for her to come over, making her stomach plummet. She tried to shuffle behind Hanna and act like she didn't see, but her friend was already pushing her into the firing line.

'Hello...' Fenne greeted quietly. She was painfully aware of the camera that widened to include her in the shot.

'Joost was just telling us about you. Sounds like he loves you very much,' the interviewer said in English and the microphone was held out to the Dutch woman. In a moment of panic, Fenne scrambled for a reply.

'Uh, yes. I love Joost Klein.'

The interviewer and Joost burst into laughter and Fenne followed along. She had said what she wanted to say, but she wasn't confident in her English to express her consesus in its entirety. It didn't seem to matter, because Joost's arm came around her shoulder and hugged her against his side. He grinned from ear to ear and the interviewer was getting the best footage they could have hoped for.

'You've trained her well!' the interviewer joked. 'Is there anything you wanted to say? You've got your country and the rest of Europe watching.'

'She doesn't speak much English,' Joost informed. 'I can translate if that makes it easier?'